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There is something inviting about the way Conan the Barbarian (1970) 223 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 October 1989 as part of Conan the Barbarian, with Conan the Barbarian providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ T

Classic X Men (1986) 38 is the kind of issue that makes an old publication date feel less important than the energy waiting on the first page. The issue was published on 1 October 1989 as part of Classic X Men, with UNCANNY X MEN providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Strangers with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Classic X Men (

Reading Captain America (1968) 359 as part of Marvel's wider catalogue reveals an issue with a clear personality and a surprisingly immediate sense of purpose. The issue was published on 1 October 1989 as part of Captain America, with South America providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Captain America with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is stron

Avengers (1963) 308 opens the door to a distinct corner of Marvel history rather than feeling like a catalogue entry that should be admired from a distance. The issue was published on 1 October 1989 as part of Avengers, with Lava Men providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Eternal Sersi with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Avengers (1963)

Alpha Flight (1983) 75 provides an enjoyable reminder that Marvel history is built from individual issues with their own rhythms, risks and small surprises. The issue was published on 1 October 1989 as part of Alpha Flight, with Alpha Flight providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in

What first stands out about Captain America (1968) 358 is not its age or collectable status, but the directness with which it asks the reader to enter the story. The issue was published on 30 September 1989 as part of Captain America, with Captain America providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects South America with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytel

Wolverine (1988) 12 | Published 29 September 1989 arrives with the confidence of a comic that knows spectacle matters most when the people inside it have something meaningful to lose. The issue was published on 29 September 1989 as part of Wolverine, with Jessica Drew providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects San Francisco with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Damage Control (1989) 1 | Published 26 September 1989 understands that principle. The issue was published on 26 September 1989 as part of Damage Control, with Damage Control providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another a

There is something inviting about the way Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD (1989) 1 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 10 September 1989 as part of Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., with Nick Fury providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Contessa Valentina Allegra with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing anot

Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme (1988) 7 is the kind of issue that makes an old publication date feel less important than the energy waiting on the first page. The issue was published on 10 September 1989 as part of Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme, with New York providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Doctor Strange with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Th

Reading X Factor (1986) 44 as part of Marvel's wider catalogue reveals an issue with a clear personality and a surprisingly immediate sense of purpose. The issue was published on 1 September 1989 as part of X Factor, with X Factor providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in X Factor (1

Wolverine (1988) 11 | Published 1 September 1989 opens the door to a distinct corner of Marvel history rather than feeling like a catalogue entry that should be admired from a distance. The issue was published on 1 September 1989 as part of Wolverine, with Archie Corrigan providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Gehenna Stone with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The stor